10.1021/ol0063252
The research focuses on the efficient asymmetric synthesis of radicicol dimethyl ether, a compound derived from the metabolite of Monocillium nordinii with potential antitumor properties. The synthesis strategy is based on a convergent three-stage assembly of the 14-membered lactone, with a key transformation involving a novel ring-forming metathesis reaction using a vinyl epoxide. The synthesis process includes esterification of benzoic acid with a chiral secondary alcohol, chemoselective alkylation of an allylic dithiane, and ring-closing metathesis. Reactants used in the experiments include methyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, allylic dithiane, and substituted benzoic acid, among others. The analyses involved in the study include NMR, mass spectrometry, and various chromatographic techniques to monitor the progress and purity of the synthesized compounds. The research also discusses the challenges faced in the deprotection of the ketone and the regioselective chlorination of the aromatic ring, as well as ongoing efforts to complete the synthesis of the natural product and generate structural analogues with potential in vivo activity.